Proposed Development at 15-105 Mooregate Crescent Includes Affordable Housingwith Mixed-Use Design

KITCHENER — A proposed redevelopment at 15-105 Mooregate Crescent aims to deliver 378 affordable housing units alongside mixed-use community services in Kitchener’s Victoria Hills neighbourhood. This project is part of the Waterloo Region Housing Master Plan (2020–2040) and will cater to diverse needs with a range of unit layouts from one-bedroom to five-bedroom options.

Project Overview

The redevelopment includes:

• Two buildings: A nine-storey building and a 16-storey building.
• Mixed-Use Space: Approximately 2,657 square metres of non-residential amenities.
• Affordable Housing: All units designated as affordable housing, replacing 55 rent-geared-to-income townhouse units currently on-site.

Zoning Amendments and Variances

The proposal requires several zoning amendments and minor variances to proceed:

1. Balcony Setback:
   • Proposed: 1.1 metres from the street line.
   • Required: 3 metres.
2. Westerly Interior Yard Setback:
   • Proposed: 2.9 metres.
   • Required: 4.5 metres.
3. Non-Residential Gross Floor Area:
   • Proposed: 1,100 square metres per use.
   • Permitted: 600 square metres.
4. Patio Areas:
   • No patios adjacent to ground-floor dwelling units, contrary to zoning requirements.
5. Parking Shortfall:
   • Residential Parking: 303 spaces proposed (378 required).
   • Non-Residential Parking: 32 spaces proposed (78 required).
   • Visitor parking: Limited to 30 spaces, with spaces assigned rather than shared.

Transportation and Accessibility

Transportation Planning supports the proposed 365 total parking spaces, including:

• 205 Class A bicycle parking spaces.
• 26 Class B bicycle parking spaces.

Recommendations include unbundling parking costs from unit costs to encourage affordability and flexibility.

Land Use and Community Impact

The redevelopment aligns with the site’s “High Rise Residential” designation in Kitchener’s 2014 Official Plan and existing zoning as “Residential Seven Zone (RES-7)”. Proposed changes include adding “Health Clinic” and “Social Service Establishment” as permitted uses to enhance community-oriented services.

Next Steps

The application will be reviewed by the Committee of Adjustment on December 10, 2024. If approved, this project will significantly enhance the availability of affordable housing while integrating valuable community services in the Victoria Hills neighbourhood.

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